Attractions Nearby Des Moines, Day Trips and Excursions

(Des Moines, Iowa - IA, USA)

The fact the Des Moines enjoys a location just to the south of central Iowa means that it is conveniently placed to explore the majority of the state's attractions with relative ease. However, do take into account the cold winter weather if you are planning to get out and about in Iowa at this time of the year.

Many different day trips present themselves to those who have chosen to rent a car during their time in Des Moines, and the busy interstates (I-35, I-80 and I-235) connect numerous nearby places of interest. If you are prepared to consider longer excursions, then you may like to pencil in a trip to Cedar Rapids (east), Omaha, Nebraska (west) or even Kansas City (south), which lies across the border in the state of Missouri.

Closer to Des Moines are the attractions of Adventureland Park in the neighboring suburb of Altoona, which is filled with exciting funfair-style rides and several rollercoasters (including the Dragon, the Outlaw and the Tornado). Also based in Altoona is the Island Water Park, and the Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino.

General Information

Around 50 minutes to the east of Des Moines are the attractions of Newton, the seat of Jasper County. Those enjoying a day trip here will likely pay a visit to the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at the Agnes Patterson Park, or perhaps catch a motor race at the Iowa Speedway.

If motor racing is your bag, then you may like to take an excursion to the Knoxville Raceway, which is a similar distance away from Des Moines, only this time to the southeast. Standing right next to this famed dirt track is the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum, which is another attraction worthy of adding to your sightseeing itinerary.

A day trip to the Reiman Gardens at Ames, some 45 minutes north of Des Moines, is sure to please those with green fingers. The Reiman Gardens can be found within the grounds of the Iowa State University, close to the Jack Trice Stadium, and boasts a series of landscaped areas, along with a conservatory, a butterfly house, a learning center and a themed gift shop.

You may also like to visit the city of Van Meter (west) and check out the baseball memorabilia at the Bob Feller Museum, or head southwards to the National Balloon Museum at Indianola. Alternatively, the historic 19th-century covered bridges of Madison County are further attractions worth searching out by those staying in Des Moines. The bridges are perhaps best known for being the namesake of the famous 1992 best-selling novel by Robert James Waller, entitled The Bridges of Madison County.